Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of SF_6?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of ICl_5?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Octahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Square pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is iodine (I) in ICl_5.
Determine the number of valence electrons on the central atom: iodine has 7 valence electrons.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. ICl_5 has 5 bonding pairs (from 5 chlorine atoms) and 1 lone pair (since 7 valence electrons minus 5 bonding pairs leaves 2 electrons or 1 lone pair).
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. With 6 regions of electron density (5 bonding pairs + 1 lone pair), the electron geometry corresponds to an octahedral arrangement.
Note that while the electron geometry is octahedral, the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is square pyramidal due to the presence of one lone pair.
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